Monday, March 01, 2010
Goal setting has played a big part in my success over the last 1+ years. Before I ever set foot into the land of Spark, my first goal was a healthy BMI.
I took inventory of the foods in my diet, and removed those things that had to go. Think about how Jillian tells folks to do this...would she approve of what is in your pantry/fridge/freezer? By taking this step, and then portioning your foods...what a tremendous and positive foot forward!
I am not one to say 'no' to food, but with a goal in mind...you have to be smart about it. Maybe making it fresh/homemade then you can take out or subsitute with healthier options and still have something you enjoy. Looking for lower calorie/lower fat/etc versions of that item you enjoy makes the journey easier. And you have a new recipe in your arsenal!
While I never have had a BP issue, my late gma, my mother, and my sister do. So I looked at labels...and left things that were too high sodium on the shelf or in the freezer section. If I was going to meet my goal, then I did not need to fight bloat!
The one thing we must give ourselves in reaching a goal is time. Taking up a fad diet that does not allow for a healthy balance of everyday foods/fruits/veggies will set us up for failure. All in moderation...and some things you can't have because they are foods that the manufacture could care less if you maintained a healthy lifestyle! Using the My Nutrition tool here on Spark will help you reach your goal and keep you aware of what you consume...for better or worse. And if you can help it...plan out your meals. Know what your days will be like before they happen so that you are not upset later.
Fitness goals are a different story. You can change them constantly to keep things interesting, or challenge yourself, or keep on track with loss/maintenance/etc. There are a lot of great tools here on Spark to help you. Fitness videos, tracking miles run, challenges on teams, etc. With so many choices you are less apt to be bored! Just don't sign up for too many! I set a goal that would require a longer commitment, and that was a marathon. It would require me to follow a training plan, track my food, get adequate sleep and hydration, etc. And in reinforced my love of running.
No matter if they are nutrition or fitness oriented, set goals for yourself. Be sure that they are doable. If incentives for reaching goals help you, then consider what they will be! No matter what, have fun! Being healthy does not have to feel like torture!
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